Holy Rosary Parish, Adenta

13/02/2026

*RESUMPTION OF “ONE CHAPTER A DAY” PROJECT – LENTEN SEASON*

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

As we approach the sacred season of Lent, beginning with Ash Wednesday, the Church once again calls us to a deeper life of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In keeping with the Bonaventure Challenge, which prescribes the Book of Ruth for this Lenten period, the Archdiocesan Youth Council seeks to take advantage of this grace-filled season to revitalise the *“One Chapter a Day”* project among the youth of the Archdiocese.

We are therefore pleased to announce that the One Chapter a Day initiative will officially resume on *Ash Wednesday* , beginning with Chapter One of the Book of Ruth. Throughout the Lenten season, youths across the Archdiocese are encouraged to prayerfully read, reflect upon, and share insights from the assigned chapter each day as part of their personal and communal spiritual growth.

This initiative aligns with the Archdiocesan theme for the year: *“Sent to Witness: Living the Gospel Everyday” (Matthew 5:16).* By immersing ourselves daily in Sacred Scripture, we are strengthened to become authentic witnesses of Christ—allowing our light to shine in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities.

We warmly encourage all Parish/ Church Youth Councils, youth groups, and individual members to actively participate and promote this initiative within their respective parishes.

May this Lenten journey renew our hearts, deepen our love for God’s Word, and draw us closer to Christ.
Let us journey together in the Word.

Thank you.
Fr. Alphonse Bulloro
*(Archdiocesan Youth Chaplain)*

04/02/2026

04/02/2026

*WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH 2026.*

*FOURTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR II.*

*FIRST READING*
“You have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God.”

*A reading from the second Book of Samuel (2 SAMUEL 24: 2, 9 - 17)*

In those days: King David said to Joab and the commanders of the army, who were with him, “Go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and number the people, that I may know the number of the people.” And Joab gave the sum of the numbering of the people to the King: in Israel there were eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand. But David’s heart struck him after he had numbered the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done. But now, O Lord, I pray you, take away the iniquity of your servant; for I have done very foolishly.” And when David arose in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, “Go and say to David, ‘Thus says the Lord, Three things I offer you; choose one of them, that I may do it to you. ”’ So Gad came to David and told him, and said to him, “Shall three years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your foes while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days’ pestilence in your land? Now consider, and decide what answer I shall return to him who sent me.” Then David said to Gad, “I am in great distress; let us fall into the hand of the Lord, for his mercy is great; but let me not fall into the hand of man.” So the Lord sent a pestilence upon Israel from the morning until the appointed time; and there died of the people from Dan to Beersheba seventy thousand men. And when the angel stretched forth his hand towards Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord repented of the evil, and said to the angel who was working destruction among the people, “It is enough; now stay your hand.” And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. Then David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who was striking down the people, and said, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly; but these sheep, what have they done? Let your hand, I pray you, be against me and against my father’s house.”

*The Word of the Lord.*

*RESPONSORIAL PSALM*
Taken from Psalm 32: 1 - 2, 5, 6, 7 (R.) 5a

And the response is;
*R/. O Lord, forgive the guilt of my sin.*

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is remitted.
Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes no guilt,
in whose spirit is no guile. *R/.*

To you I have acknowledged my sin;
my guilt I did not hide.
I said, “I will confess my transgression to the Lord.”
And you have forgiven the guilt of my sin. *R/.*

So let each faithful one pray to you
in the time of need.
The floods of water may reach high,
but such a one they shall not reach. *R/.*

You are a hiding place for me;
you keep me safe from distress;
you surround me with cries of deliverance. *R/.*

*GOSPEL ACCLAMATION*
John 10: 27

*Alleluia.*
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord; and I know them, and they follow me.
*Alleluia.*

*GOSPEL*
“A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country.”

*A reading from the holy Gospel according to Mark (MARK 6: 1 - 6)*

At that time: Jesus came to his own country; and his disciples followed him. And on the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue; and many who heard him were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get all this? What is the wisdom given to him? What mighty works are wrought by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him. And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honour, except in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.” And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands upon a few sick people and healed them. And he marvelled because of their unbelief. And he went about among the villages teaching.

*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, *Our familiarity with the Word of God, the Eucharist, Life, and the sacred should never let us take the Lord for granted. The gravest temptation is to end up being too secular with the Sacred because of familiarity. Our constant encounter with the Lord should make us more open to the inner Life of God rather than trying to define God by our own standards and syllabus.* The people of Nazareth in today's gospel failed to recognize how God was specially working through Jesus. Instead, He was too familiar, local, and ordinary for them and they rejected His constant love and care. Like them, we too, sometimes become too familiar with life and we take life for granted. We don’t have to go long distances or witness miracles to recognize the wisdom and the power of God. It is all around us in the near and the familiar and in the ordinary, if we have eyes to see and ears to hear.

We are all invited to see the familiar and the ordinary with new eyes. The failure of the people of Nazareth to see in this way inhibited what Jesus could do among them. *What is my daily response to the Eucharist, and the Word of God? Let us also take a moment and think about the people in our lives: what are their gifts? How do they gift me with their love and care? Do I appreciate them? Do l appreciate their gifts and talents? Do I let them know how important they are to me?* We are called and urged never to take the Lord's constant love and care through the sacraments, His Word, and the people around us for granted as a result of our familiarity. *GOD BLESS YOU*

01/02/2026

*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR FEBRUARY 1,2026.*

(Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time)

*I. A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13.*

Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth, who have observed his law;seek justice, seek humility;perhaps you may be sheltered on the day of the LORD's anger.

But I will leave as a remnant in your midst a people humble and lowly,who shall take refuge in the name of the LORD:the remnant of Israel.

They shall do no wrong and speak no lies;nor shall there be found in their mouths a deceitful tongue;they shall pasture and couch their flocks with none to disturb them.

*II. Responsorial Psalm:Psalm 146:6-7, 8-9, 9-10.*

*R. (Mt 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!*

or:
R. Alleluia.

The LORD keeps faith forever,secures justice for the oppressed,gives food to the hungry.The LORD sets captives free.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

or:
R. Alleluia.

The LORD gives sight to the blind;the LORD raises up those who were bowed down.The LORD loves the just;the LORD protects strangers.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

or:
R. Alleluia.

The fatherless and the widow the LORD sustains,but the way of the wicked he thwarts.The LORD shall reign forever;your God, O Zion, through all generations. Alleluia.

R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs!

or:
R. Alleluia.

*III. A Reading from the First Letter of Saint Paul to the Corinthians 1:26-31.*

Consider your own calling, brothers and sisters.

Not many of you were wise by human standards,not many were powerful,not many were of noble birth.

Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise,and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong,and God chose the lowly and despised of the world,those who count for nothing,to reduce to nothing those who are something,so that no human being might boast before God.

It is due to him that you are in Christ Jesus,who became for us wisdom from God,as well as righteousness,sanctification, and redemption,so that, as it is written, "Whoever boasts,should boast in the Lord."

Alleluia Matthew 5:12a.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Rejoice and be glad;your reward will be great in heaven.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

*IV. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Matthew 5:1-12a.*

When Jesus saw the crowds,he went up the mountain,and after he had sat down, his disciples came to him.

He began to teach them,saying:"Blessed are the poor in spirit,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,for they will be comforted.Blessed are the meek,for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,for they will be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,for they will be shown mercy.Blessed are the clean of heart,for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,for they will be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when they insult you and persecute you and utter every kind of evil against you falsely because of me.

Rejoice and be glad,for your reward will be great in heaven."

*REFLECTION*
Jesus in today's Gospel gives a true definition of happiness and blessedness different from that of the world. For the world, happiness is power, wealth, authority, beauty, fame, and prestige without even considering its source. Also, the happy, the blessed, and the successful are those who are rich, those who are full of what they want, and those who experience joy and laughter in the present.

*This wrong notion of satisfaction and fulfilment by our world has made our world sick and dying - for the selfish being in the selfish world would do anything to acquire that which the world offers.* Today, Jesus presents an understanding of happiness and blessedness which is fulfilling, enduring, and everlasting. Jesus believes that by being poor in spirit, experiencing hunger, knowing sorrow in this world, and being rejected, there is room for something more. Also, by possessing purity of heart today and every day, we will pave the way for us to experience the "Beatific Vision," i.e., seeing God face to face. Every moment of life is a gift, even the difficult moments, and we discover our true self/spirit not by being successful, but by staying on course when the going gets tough. *"Blessed are we" when we look into the center of our weakness, our sorrow, our lack, our pain, to see the path designed by God, to hear His voice, and to do His will.*

Indeed, we were designed for more than the trivial pursuit of pleasure. The hard truth is that we will never find true satisfaction if we continue to seek it through possessions or through people - *for pursuing satisfaction in the things of this world is like chasing the wind. Once we're finally exhausted from the pursuit, we're left empty-handed and disappointed. We are, therefore, called to put our trust in God and not in "men". Hence, the 1st reading tells us to: "Seek the Lord, all you, the humble of the earth" - for the Lord is all we need and have, to experience true and lasting happiness. We are called never to forget to make wise investments in eternity each day by word and deed.* Always remember: Nothing in this universe is able to produce true happiness, lasting blessedness, and goodness, unless Jesus is its wellspring and foundation. May we strive to put our trust in God and be fully alive for Him and with Him - and eternal blessedness will be our portion. *GOD BLESS YOU*

31/01/2026

31/01/2026

*MASS READINGS& REFLECTION FOR JANUARY 31,2026.*

(Memorial of Saint John Bosco, Priest)

*I. A Reading from the Second Book of the Prophet Samuel 12:1-7a, 10-17.*

The LORD sent Nathan to David, and when he came to him,Nathan said: “Judge this case for me!

In a certain town there were two men, one rich, the other poor.The rich man had flocks and herds in great numbers.

But the poor man had nothing at all except one little ewe lamb that he had bought.

He nourished her, and she grew up with him and his children.

She shared the little food he had and drank from his cup and slept in his bosom.She was like a daughter to him.

Now, the rich man received a visitor,but he would not take from his own flocks and herds to prepare a meal for the wayfarer who had come to him.

Instead he took the poor man’s ewe lamb and made a meal of it for his visitor.”

David grew very angry with that man and said to him: “As the LORD lives, the man who has done this merits death!

He shall restore the ewe lamb fourfold because he has done this and has had no pity.”

Then Nathan said to David: “You are the man!

Thus says the LORD God of Israel: ‘The sword shall never depart from your house,because you have despised me and have taken the wife of Uriah to be your wife.’

Thus says the LORD: ‘I will bring evil upon you out of your own house.

I will take your wives while you live to see it,and will give them to your neighbor.He shall lie with your wives in broad daylight.

You have done this deed in secret,but I will bring it about in the presence of all Israel,and with the sun looking down.’”

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the LORD.”

Nathan answered David: “The LORD on his part has forgiven your sin:you shall not die.

But since you have utterly spurned the LORD by this deed,the child born to you must surely die.”Then Nathan returned to his house.

The LORD struck the child that the wife of Uriah had borne to David,and it became desperately ill.David besought God for the child.

He kept a fast, retiring for the night to lie on the ground clothed in sackcloth.

The elders of his house stood beside him urging him to rise from the ground; but he would not, nor would he take food with them.

*II. Responsorial Psalm:Psalm 51:12-13, 14-15, 16-17.*

*R.(12a) Create a clean heart in me, O God.*

A clean heart create for me, O God,and a steadfast spirit renew within me.Cast me not out from your presence,and your Holy Spirit take not from me.

R.Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Give me back the joy of your salvation,and a willing spirit sustain in me.I will teach transgressors your ways,and sinners shall return to you.

R.Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Free me from blood guilt, O God, my saving God;then my tongue shall revel in your justice.O Lord, open my lips,and my mouth shall proclaim your praise.

R.Create a clean heart in me, O God.

Alleluia John 3:16.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

God so loved the world that he gave his only-begotten Son,so that everyone who believes in him might have eternal life.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

*III. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 4:35-41.*

On that day, as evening drew on, Jesus said to his disciples: “Let us cross to the other side.”

Leaving the crowd, they took Jesus with them in the boat just as he was.And other boats were with him.

A violent squall came up and waves were breaking over the boat,so that it was already filling up.Jesus was in the stern, asleep on a cushion.

They woke him and said to him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

He woke up,rebuked the wind,and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind ceased and there was great calm.

Then he asked them, “Why are you terrified?Do you not yet have faith?”

They were filled with great awe and said to one another,“Who then is this whom even wind and sea obey?”

*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, In today's gospel, while Jesus was comfortably asleep in a cushion in the stern of the boat during the deadly storm, the disciples were afraid and terrified that they were going to sink. *The disciples were confused and terrified because they did not see beyond the storm that Jesus was the Master of all storms. Like the disciples, we can also be together with Jesus in the sacraments and His word, but we can, in a way, be terrified when we put Him to sleep by our way of life. Today, we are called to wake Jesus up in our lives;* making Him "number one" in everything we do and active Lord and Master of our lives. May we strive to wake Jesus up today in the "boat of life," both in good times and bad times, by being fully alive in Him. *GOD BLESS YOU*

23/01/2026

*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR JANUARY 23,2026.*

(Friday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time)

*1. A Reading from the First Book of the Prophet Samuel 24:3-21.*

Saul took three thousand picked men from all Israel and went in search of David and his men in the direction of the wild goat crags.

When he came to the sheepfolds along the way, he found a cave,which he entered to relieve himself.

David and his men were occupying the inmost recesses of the cave.

David's servants said to him, "This is the day of which the LORD said to you, 'I will deliver your enemy into your grasp; do with him as you see fit.'"

So David moved up and stealthily cut off an end of Saul's mantle.

Afterward, however, David regretted that he had cut off an end of Saul's mantle.

He said to his men,"The LORD forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the LORD's anointed, as to lay a hand on him,for he is the LORD's anointed."

With these words David restrained his men and would not permit them to attack Saul.

Saul then left the cave and went on his way.

David also stepped out of the cave, calling to Saul, "My lord the king!"

When Saul looked back, David bowed to the ground in homage and asked Saul:"Why do you listen to those who say, 'David is trying to harm you'?

You see for yourself today that the LORD just now delivered you into my grasp in the cave.

I had some thought of killing you, but I took pity on you instead.

I decided, 'I will not raise a hand against my lord, for he is the LORD's anointed and a father to me.'

Look here at this end of your mantle which I hold.Since I cut off an end of your mantle and did not kill you, see and be convinced that I plan no harm and no rebellion.

I have done you no wrong, though you are hunting me down to take my life.

The LORD will judge between me and you,and the LORD will exact justice from you in my case.I shall not touch you.

The old proverb says, 'From the wicked comes forth wickedness.'So I will take no action against you.

Against whom are you on campaign, O king of Israel?Whom are you pursuing?

A dead dog, or a single flea!The LORD will be the judge; he will decide between me and you.

May he see this, and take my part,and grant me justice beyond your reach!"

When David finished saying these things to Saul, Saul answered, "Is that your voice, my son David?"And Saul wept aloud.

Saul then said to David: "You are in the right rather than I; you have treated me generously, while I have done you harm.

Great is the generosity you showed me today,when the LORD delivered me into your grasp and you did not kill me.

For if a man meets his enemy,does he send him away unharmed?

May the LORD reward you generously for what you have done this day.

And now, I know that you shall surely be king and that sovereignty over Israel shall come into your possession."

*2. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 57:2, 3-4, 6 and 11.*

*R. (2a) Have mercy on me,God, have mercy.*

Have mercy on me, O God; have mercy on me,for in you I take refuge.In the shadow of your wings I take refuge,till harm pass by.

R. Have mercy on me, God,have mercy.

I call to God the Most High,to God, my benefactor.May he send from heaven and save me;may he make those a reproach who trample upon me;may God send his mercy and his faithfulness.

R. Have mercy on me, God,have mercy.

Be exalted above the heavens, O God;above all the earth be your glory! For your mercy towers to the heavens,and your faithfulness to the skies.

R. Have mercy on me, God,have mercy.

Alleluia 2 Corinthians 5:19.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ,and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

*3. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 3:13-19.*

Jesus went up the mountain and summoned those whom he wanted and they came to him.

He appointed Twelve, whom he also named Apostles,that they might be with him and he might send them forth to preach and to have authority to drive out demons:He appointed the Twelve:Simon, whom he named Peter; James, son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, whom he named Boanerges,that is, sons of thunder;Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew,Matthew, Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus; Thaddeus, Simon the Cananean,and Judas Iscariot who betrayed him.

*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, *Jesus in today's Gospel called the twelve to be with Him and sent them to represent Him by word and deed, preaching the gospel and healing the sick. They needed to encounter the "Lord of the work" in a very personal way before they could take up "the work of the Lord".* We, too, are called to share in the Lord’s work, to witness to Him, and to bring the light of His gospel into the world through our lives. However, like the twelve, we are first called to become the Lord’s companions, to be with Him, to know Him, and to be guided by Him before we can be His true representation in the world.

*Today, we are each called to be with the Lord in prayer, in the reception of the Eucharist and His Holy Word, and to carry out His mission in our day and age by being His hands and feet, reaching out to people.* May we surrender fully to Jesus, and be His true companions - so that we can be His true representation by word and deed each day. *GOD BLESS YOU*

21/01/2026

*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR JANUARY 21,2026.*

(Memorial of Saint Agnes,Virgin and Martyr)

*1. A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Samuel 17:32-33, 37, 40-51.*

David spoke to Saul: "Let your majesty not lose courage.I am at your service to go and fight this Philistine."

But Saul answered David,"You cannot go up against this Philistine and fight with him,for you are only a youth, while he has been a warrior from his youth."

David continued: "The LORD, who delivered me from the claws of the lion and the bear,will also keep me safe from the clutches of this Philistine."

Saul answered David, "Go! the LORD will be with you."

Then, staff in hand, David selected five smooth stones from the wadi and put them in the pocket of his shepherd's bag.

With his sling also ready to hand, he approached the Philistine.

With his shield bearer marching before him,the Philistine also advanced closer and closer to David.

When he had sized David up,and seen that he was youthful, and ruddy, and handsome in appearance,the Philistine held David in contempt.

The Philistine said to David,"Am I a dog that you come against me with a staff?"

Then the Philistine cursed David by his gods and said to him, "Come here to me,and I will leave your flesh for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field."

David answered him:"You come against me with sword and spear and scimitar,but I come against you in the name of the LORD of hosts,the God of the armies of Israel that you have insulted.

Today the LORD shall deliver you into my hand;I will strike you down and cut off your head.

This very day I will leave your co**se and the co**ses of the Philistine army for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field;thus the whole land shall learn that Israel has a God.

All this multitude, too,shall learn that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves.

For the battle is the LORD's and he shall deliver you into our hands."

The Philistine then moved to meet David at close quarters, while David ran quickly toward the battle line in the direction of the Philistine.

David put his hand into the bag and took out a stone,hurled it with the sling,and struck the Philistine on the forehead.

The stone embedded itself in his brow,and he fell prostrate on the ground.

Thus David overcame the Philistine with sling and stone;he struck the Philistine mortally, and did it without a sword.

Then David ran and stood over him;with the Philistine's own sword which he drew from its sheath he dispatched him and cut off his head.

*2. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 144:1b, 2, 9-10.*

*R. (1) Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!*

Blessed be the LORD, my rock,who trains my hands for battle,my fingers for war.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

My refuge and my fortress,my stronghold, my deliverer,My shield, in whom I trust,who subdues my people under me.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

O God, I will sing a new song to you;with a ten-stringed lyre I will chant your praise,You who give victory to kings,and deliver David, your servant from the evil sword.

R. Blessed be the Lord, my Rock!

Alleluia See Matthew 4:23.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Jesus preached the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

*3. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 3:1-6.*

Jesus entered the synagogue.
There was a man there who had a withered hand.

They watched Jesus closely to see if he would cure him on the sabbath so that they might accuse him.

He said to the man with the withered hand,"Come up here before us."

Then he said to the Pharisees,"Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath rather than to do evil,to save life rather than to destroy it?" But they remained silent.

Looking around at them with anger and grieved at their hardness of heart,Jesus said to the man, "Stretch out your hand."

He stretched it out and his hand was restored.

The Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against him to put him to death.

*REFLECTION*
Beloved in Christ, *No matter how much good you do, there will always be other people who will disagree with you and will never support you - Do good anyway and such people should not stop you from doing good.* In today's gospel, Jesus was being watched with evil eyes for doing Good on the Sabbath day, and at once the Pharisees began to plot with the Herodians against Him, discussing how to destroy Him - all because Jesus chose to do good anyway. Jesus’ life shows clearly that good works do not always bring their proper reward in this life; sometimes, the good we do provokes an evil response. In this way, the goodness of some brings out evil in others.

*Yet, we see in Jesus that, goodness is its own reward. Like Jesus, we are called to persist in doing good, regardless of the hostile reception of others.* Let us strive to be faithful to what is right, no matter what it may cost, because it is what God wants of us and not because of any praise it might bring us. *Always remember: "The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. For in the end, it is between you and God and not you and them anyway" -Mother Teresa.* *GOD BLESS YOU*

19/01/2026

It’s Monday and our saints of the week are waiting to intercede for us!

19/01/2026

*MASS READINGS & REFLECTION FOR JANUARY 19,2026.*

(Monday of the Second Week in Ordinary Time)

*1. A Reading from the Book of the Prophet Samuel 15:16-23.*

Samuel said to Saul: “Stop! Let me tell you what the LORD said to me last night.”

Saul replied, “Speak!” Samuel then said: “Though little in your own esteem,are you not leader of the tribes of Israel?

The LORD anointed you king of Israel and sent you on a mission, saying, ‘Go and put the sinful Amalekites under a ban of destruction.

Fight against them until you have exterminated them.’ Why then have you disobeyed the LORD?

You have pounced on the spoil, thus displeasing the LORD.”

Saul answered Samuel: “I did indeed obey the LORD and fulfill the mission on which the LORD sent me.

I have brought back Agag, and I have destroyed Amalek under the ban.

But from the spoil the men took sheep and oxen,the best of what had been banned,to sacrifice to the LORD their God in Gilgal.”

But Samuel said:“Does the LORD so delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the command of the LORD?

Obedience is better than sacrifice,and submission than the fat of rams.

For a sin like divination is rebellion,and presumption is the crime of idolatry.

Because you have rejected the command of the LORD,he, too, has rejected you as ruler.”

*2. Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50:8-9, 16bc-17, 21 and 23.*

*R.(23b) To the upright I will show the saving power of God.*

“Not for your sacrifices do I rebuke you,for your burnt offerings are before me always.I take from your house no bullock,no goats out of your fold.”

R.To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“Why do you recite my statutes,and profess my covenant with your mouth,Though you hate discipline and cast my words behind you?”

R. To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

“When you do these things,shall I be deaf to it?
Or do you think that I am like yourself? I will correct you by drawing them up before your eyes.He that offers praise as a sacrifice glorifies me;and to him that goes the right way I will show the salvation of God.”

R.To the upright I will show the saving power of God.

Alleluia Hebrews 4:12.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

The word of God is living and effective,able to discern reflections and thoughts of the heart.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

*3. A Reading from the Holy Gospel according to Mark 2:18-22.*

The disciples of John and of the Pharisees were accustomed to fast.

People came to Jesus and objected, “Why do the disciples of John and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered them,“Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them?

As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast.

But the days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them,and then they will fast on that day.

No one sews a piece of unshrunken cloth on an old cloak.

If he does, its fullness pulls away,the new from the old, and the tear gets worse.

Likewise, no one pours new wine into old wineskins.

Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins,and both the wine and the skins are ruined.Rather, new wine is poured into fresh wineskins.”

*REFLECTION*
The first King of Israel, Saul finds himself at the wrong side of God's anger. He chose to do what he wanted and not what God wanted. He tried to wrong God so as to please Him. He spared the live of King Agag and the best of the animals of the enemies with the intention of making a worthy sacrifice unto God even when God had commanded clearly that all must be annihilated.

*Beloved, we cannot do evil for good to be derived. We cannot disobey God and still wish to do His will.*

Samuel makes us understand that *obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission than the fat of ram.*

Let's keep God's commands to the letter. He has a good reason for giving us his laws. *We cannot know better than God.*

*If we reject God's commands, then he will also reject us and all the privileges that we are enjoying.*

Before we delve into the gospel readingn I would love to set the record straight, FASTING IS GOOD. We must make it a point to fast at well stipulated periods.

Some Jews had observed the happy jolly chilling life of the disciples of Jesus.
The worried Jews needed an answer for this behaviour of Jesus and his disciples.

*Beloved, the answer of Jesus proposes that fasting was not needed by his disciples in their current state until he had been taken away from them. Jesus also conveyed to the people that, fasting should not be for show as carried out by the Pharisees.*

The Pharisees fasted twice a week and this was to make a public show of their self-acclaimed holiness. Jesus therefore speaks against the wrong motives for fasting.

*Beloved, fasting is both an outward sign of humility and regret for sin and inner discipline that clears the mind and keeps the spirit alert.*
If our fasting does not include these elements, then it is a total waste of time.